Although both `CO_(2)` and `H_(2)O` are triatomic molecules, the shape of `H_(2)O` molecules is bent while that of `CO_(2)` is linear. Explain this on the basis of dipole moment.

Explanation

According to experimental results, the dipole moment of carbon dioxide is zero. This is possible only if the molecule is linear so that the dipole moments of C-O bonds are equal and opposite to nullify each other.

Resultant `mu=0D`
`H_(2)O`, on the other hand, has a dipolel moment value of 1.84 D(thoughit is a tratomic molecule as `CO_(2)`). The value of the dipole moment suggests that the structure of `H_(2)O` molecule is bent where the dipole moment of O-H bonds are unequal.